A long-standing gap in Google Home automations is finally being fixed, with the platform now adding support for smart buttons to control devices across the home.
Smart buttons have grown more common in recent years, helped by the rise of Matter. However, they could not be used with Google Home automations until now.
With the latest Google Home update, version 4.8, smart buttons can now trigger automations. This allows users to set up physical button controls for different devices in their home. Testing is underway using IKEA’s low-cost “BILRESA” buttons, though they are not fully working yet.
The update also introduces several new automation options. Users can now trigger actions based on humidity levels, start automations when a robot vacuum docks, and use battery status as a condition. Google Home also adds support for “binary states” on compatible devices, such as open or closed, and leak or no leak.
New starters and conditions for automations include:
- Humidity reaches a specific level: for example, “When the humidity is above 60%…”
- Robot vacuum docking: for example, “If the vacuum is docked…”
- Battery status: for example, “If the battery is charging…” or “When the battery is low…”
- Switch or button is pressed: for example, “When double tapping the switch…”, “When holding down the button on a dimmer switch…”, or “When the button is released…”
- Single or multi-press
- Long press
- Long press release
- Binary state for supported devices: for example, “If there’s a leak…” or “If the window is open…”
- Closed or opened
- Contact or no contact
- Freeze or no freeze
- Leak or no leak
The update also expands lighting controls. Users can now set smart lights to a specific color or color temperature through automations, such as “…set the living room light to blue” or “…set the bedroom light to a warm white”.
Google says the update also includes a fix for a long-running issue affecting Nest Cam users who often see “video not available” errors. The company claims it has deployed a “foundational fix” to address the problem.
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